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Describe the features of the feudal pyramid that existed in the European society in the medieval period.


The Feudal system in Europe had a graded organisation which is sometimes called 'Feudal Pyramid'.

The main features of the social organisation of the Feudal system in Europe are described below:

(i) The King: The king was on the top of this organisation (Feudal system). All the feudal lords were under the king. He used to take a part of the revenue collections which the feudal lords had from their areas or lands of agriculture.

(ii) Dukes and Earls: The second powerful class of the 'Feudal system' consisted of the 'Dukes' and 'Earls'. The king bestowed the estates on a number of the Dukes and Earls who owned loyalty to the king.

(iii) Barons or lower lords: The Earls and Dukes distributed the parts of their estates to the lower lords called 'Barons'. In return for that, they provided military support to the Dukes or Earls whensoever required or needed.

(iv) The Knights: The knights formed the lowest category of Feudal lords. Mostly they were the vassals of the Barons and provided them military service. The knights had no direct links either with the Dukes or the Earls.

(v) The Peasants: The peasants formed the lowest class in the feudal society. They cultivated and managed the land which they received from their lords. The Peasants were divided into three classes:
   (a) The Independent peasant
   (b) The Slave Peasants
   (c) The Bonded peasants (serfs).

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Who were the Feudal Lords? Mention their categories, main functions and their relations with the Peasants and Serfs.


How can we say that the basis of feudalism was weakening?


New trade routes with West Asia were developing. Discuss it outcomes. 


How after the fall of the Roman empire the towns began to grow again?


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